Honiara’s Urban Transport Management Project gains momentum with key stakeholder dialogues

The “Capacity Improvement of Urban Transport Management in Honiara” project is making strides with its ongoing consultation. 

In the last two weeks (14th November), a seminar was successfully hosted at the Mendana conference room for bus operators in Honiara and key stakeholders to share preliminary findings and consolidate feedback.

This project, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was spearheaded by a team of technical advisors who are experts in urban transport and was launched early this year.

The seminar, attended by bus operators and key stakeholders, is designed with three key intentions: 

– For policymakers, it is a platform to present a clear vision and demonstrate leadership. 

– For bus operators, it is a space to reflect on their future and engage constructively in shaping reforms. 

– For citizens and donors, it is an opportunity to understand that institutional reform is a public good.

In opening remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Allan Lilia, reiterated the government’s commitment to improving urban transport in Honiara.

“Insights from these experts and findings will make informed decisions for policy development and institutional reforms. 

“The government will continue to promote more discussions with the Road Transport Board (RTB) to deliver better public transport services,” Mr. Lilia remarked.

JICA resident representative Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki said the seminar marks a significant starting point—a shared recognition that urban transport reform is not merely a matter of policy design but a collective journey.

“A journey that requires understanding, commitment, and collaboration of all stakeholders: government authorities, bus operators, citizens, and development partners.” 

He said the challenges we face—congestion, declining service quality, and fragmented operations—are not new.

“But what is urgently needed is a shared vision and practical roadmap for change,” the JICA resident representative said.  

“We believe that the success of reform depends on the depth of understanding and the breadth of support.

“Let us learn from other countries, listen to the voices of those on the ground, and explore realistic steps forward. Reform does not have to be grand or sudden—it can start small, grow steadily, and be shaped by local realities,” Mr. Kawasaki emphasized.

Also speaking during the seminar, Deputy Clerk of Honiara City Council Jefferson Patovaki outlined that they are actively pursuing the reorganization of a bus operators’ association, alongside broader institutional reforms.

“At present, the majority of the bus services are provided by small-scale individual operators, and there is a growing need to transition toward a more sustainable public transport system.

“Through this project, we have listened closely to the voices of bus operators to better understand the challenges and needs they face on the ground,” Mr. Patovaki remarked.

HCC is the local authority responsible for bus operations and public transport within the city, including policy development and regulatory oversight. 

These technical advisors engaged by JICA are members of ALMEC Corporation—a top consulting group in planning and designing cities and regions, as well as transport planning in Japan and in more than 40 countries.

The seminar includes presenting findings from a recent survey conducted by the experts (Eijiro Otsuka and Yosui Seki) supported by a local team for bus operators in Honiara and the number of routes and associated challenges. It also delves into learning about public transport reforms undertaken by other countries.

A panel discussion was also conducted representing MID, HCC, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, and the JICA technical advisor with a lively exchange of views.

Participants, especially bus operators, school representatives, and other stakeholders, shared insights on current challenges and offered forward-looking suggestions.

MID’s Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, and Asset Management, Thomas Mamae, said the government, with key stakeholders, will continue working with the JICA-engaged experts over the next year.

“Through close collaboration and consultation, we are looking forward to developing and implementing new public transport policies, clarifying and standardizing roles for bus operation, and improving the road traffic environment in Honiara.

“We thank Japan for their continuous support towards infrastructure development in Solomon Islands,” Mr. Mamae said.

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MID statement